The pediatric surgery match from the applicant perspective.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Residency Selection

Background:

• Previous research identified key attributes for successful pediatric surgery applicants.
• No prior studies focused on applicant priorities during pediatric surgery residency interviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate what factors pediatric surgery applicants deem most important when evaluating training programs.
• To understand applicant perspectives on program characteristics during the interview process.

Main Methods:

• A 49-question electronic survey was administered to applicants successfully matched to a pediatric surgery program from 2018-2020.
• Descriptive analysis and comparative analysis (top 3 vs. outside top 3 programs) of Likert scale responses were performed.
• Data reported as mean with 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• High importance was placed on total index case volume (1.94), faculty interactions (1.84), neonatal case volume (1.75), and degree of autonomy (1.63).
• The in-person interview experience (1.63) was also highly valued by respondents.
• Least important characteristics included vacation time (-0.24), medical mission trips (-0.25), paid accommodation (-0.29), and simulation labs (-0.51).

Conclusions:

• Applicant rankings are most influenced by clinical volume, faculty interactions, and the interview day experience.
• Few program characteristics were considered entirely unimportant by applicants when creating their rank lists.
• The in-person interview remains a critical component of the residency selection process for pediatric surgery.